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Kettle Collective open up on Clyde ‘Leaf’ bridge

July 20 2017

Kettle Collective open up on Clyde ‘Leaf’ bridge
Kettle Collective have swung into action with plans to span the River Clyde between Renfrew and Yoker with a dramatic opening road bridge – the most dramatic element of the £90.7m Clyde waterfront & Renfrew Riverside project.

Lead architect Tony Kettle has taken the helm of the industrial design, which will open up 83 hectares of developable land on both banks of the river for development, conceiving of a twin-leaf design employing a cable stay system which is capable of opening to allow passage of river traffic.

To pull off this feat both ‘leaves’ are capable of opening and closing horizontally, meeting at a 30 degree joint below inclined masts which will dance in a turning motion when in operation.

Discussions are ongoing about whether to add a viewing platform and visitor attraction to make the bridge a destination in its own right when it opens to traffic sometime in 2020.

Kettle remarked: “The design is inspired by the shipbuilding story of the Clyde,” said Kettle. “We sourced historical photos and maps which show dry docks cut into the embankments and there was the movement of the cranes, turning in beautiful circular motions to construct the ships.

“Its design is packed with drama and dynamism, creating a visual spectacle which we believe will draw people to come and see it, but there is no compromise on the functionality. The aesthetics accentuate the functional aspects to give the bridge an expressiveness and elegance.”

One of few architects who can lay claim to building genuinely moving architecture, having led delivery of the 1,200 tonne rotating Falkirk Wheel, Kettle has also paid moving tribute to the work of cancer charity ‘It’s Good to Give’ with Ripple Retreat.
Extensive landscaping will accompany the bridge on both banks of the river
Extensive landscaping will accompany the bridge on both banks of the river
Road access will not come at the expense of river traffic
Road access will not come at the expense of river traffic

6 Comments

John Douglas
#1 Posted by John Douglas on 21 Jul 2017 at 08:53 AM
Inspired architecture as always from Tony Kettle
StyleCouncil
#2 Posted by StyleCouncil on 21 Jul 2017 at 18:38 PM
Apologies, I may be missing something but I am struggling to recognise anything inspirational in these images... all looks fairly standard and conventionally dull master planning.
Hinged bridge? Is this a groundbreaking piece of engineering?
Billy
#3 Posted by Billy on 25 Jul 2017 at 10:28 AM
Clyde leaf, leaves me cold. Glasgow once again gets a bland bridge. All the new bridges are a bit of a yawn. The Kingston is an eyesore in the very heart of our city. No attempt over the years has been made to soften or make it more interesting. Apart from a few murals. Tyneside and Edinburgh and Hull all have beautiful bridges. Sadly our city gets the short straw yet again. However the crossing will be welcome taking pressure off the Kingston, Clyde tunnel and Erskine Bridge avoiding unnecessary miles getting from A to B travelling north to south. Just a pity it does not have the Wow factor.
Mila Middleton
#4 Posted by Mila Middleton on 25 Jul 2017 at 12:35 PM
Well done Tony. I am still in awe at the work you did with The Falkirk Wheel and I am confident this project will be another wonder for all to enjoy.
I see the shipbuilding inspiration behind this design and I wish you well with it.
StyleCouncil
#5 Posted by StyleCouncil on 25 Jul 2017 at 20:10 PM
I stand corrected... this is going to be truly magnificent, possibly the even the eighth wonder, no wait a minute, that was Patsy Kensit.
This doesn't look bad, not at all, but it does look like an off the shelf bridge from The Eurobridge 2006 catalog as seen throughout the continent. The Glasgow shipbuilding reference is very thin...if at all present.
90s Childrens TV Show Appreciation Society
#6 Posted by 90s Childrens TV Show Appreciation Society on 3 Aug 2017 at 14:46 PM
I once saw The Singing Kettle live as a boy. Now to see the Swinging Kettle twenty or so years later, im all asunder.
But I agree StyleCouncil, looks fine but a little pedestrian for me. In fact, a big red teapot might be a welcome addition.

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